The Macs » Blog

counting down

I had another appointment yesterday. Everything looked good. We are so thankful every time we walk out of the doctor’s office with good news. Praise God for a healthy pregnancy and baby! I am measuring a little ahead, but nothing is happening yet. I am feeling pretty good, just the normal 9 month waddling. I am also starting to feel quite uncomfortable. Who knows, maybe this little one will decide to come in 2009!
It is hard to believe that we are counting down the weeks instead of months now. I am starting to feel pretty anxious. Anxious because I have done NOTHING to get ready for this baby. And anxious because we are going to be holding our new son or daughter so soon. So many things have happened this year. It is hard to grasp it all.

It has been too hard to “get ready” for this baby like we did for Cora. We are going to use Cora’s bassinet in our room until we are emotionally ready to move this little one into Cora’s room. Right now the bassinet is full of a few gifts that people have given us and some newborn clothes for a boy and girl. Next week my mom is going to come over and we are going to go through Cora’s baby stuff and get out the newborn things we will need for Baby Mac. I don’t know if I am ready for that…but I guess it is time!

Cora’s room is just like she left it, except full of gifts that were sent to her in the hospital and after she went to heaven. My mom and I are going to clean it up a little, but leave everything the same. I think it will be easier to change things–like add some blue if we need to–when we are holding Baby Mac is our arms. It is so hard to know. For now we will deal with that later.
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7
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  • Paula Aspacher - I think you will be adding blue to Cora’s room. Cora needs a brother to help her daddy on the farm. He/she will always know about their big sister b/c you will keep her alive forever. You are the best parents in the world.ReplyCancel

  • Lisa - Thank you for that verse. Its one of my favorites! I am familiar with it in the NIV so it was refreshing to hear it in a different translation. You don’t know me and I’ve never commented on your blog, but wanted to tell you that I’ve been praying for your family since Cora was in the hospital. (Happened upon Meg Duerksens blog awhile ago and got to yours thru hers). Anyway, just wanted you to know that I continue to pray for you both and baby Mac.ReplyCancel

  • Todd and Courtney - so precious! And I am so excited to get the chenille burpies! Thank you thank you thank you for posting the time you were doing the listing 🙂 Praying for you and your precious baby that will be here so soon…ReplyCancel

  • Cindy - I too have been reading since Cora was in the hospital. I am so encouraged by your faith and your journey. Sometimes your posts are so real that I can’t get through them without feeling the need to sob.
    Thank you so much for keeping up your blog. I know sometimes you probably don’t feel like it. Your story truly makes a difference in my life.
    I can’t wait to find out what your having! You people who like to be surprised have no idea what you do to the rest of us impatient people.
    I will be praying for you when you go through Cora’s clothes. May God somehow use it to bring blessing instead of sadness.ReplyCancel

  • Candice - I’m so happy everything is going well with the little one.

    It’s so hard to read about the tough things you have coming up too. I can only imagine how difficult it will be to go through Cora’s things. I think it is very precious that you will be using her room.

    Today’s quote was very appropriate.

    Hugs and prayers going out to your family!ReplyCancel

  • Kristi REDISKE - I love that Bible verse-thanks for using it. I have been praying for you all since Cora got sick also-I am amazed by the trust you have in the Lord and that you are letting Him guide you. It is so hard in difficult times to keep that trust and except that it is the right thing-our God knows why things happen-obviously Cora has touched people all around the world-what a special child-and you two are very special parents. I am excited to hear whether baby Mac is a boy or girl. I will keep you in my prayers and thanks for keeping us all posted on the progress.ReplyCancel

  • Marla Taviano - Aw, Jess. I can’t even imagine how tough this is.ReplyCancel

  • Alisha - I know you don’t know me, but I love reading your posts. You seem so amazing! Congrats on your upcoming baby!ReplyCancel

  • Trish - I am studying the book of Esther by Beth Moore! This study is AMAZING!

    I learned this week that the most common phrase said in the Bible, by God, Jesus, prophets, apostles, angels… was

    “Do not be afraid”

    Just thought you would like to know that!ReplyCancel

  • Mandi @ It's come to this - Continuing to pray for Baby Mac & you & Joel as you get ready for his/her arrival! Thank you for your open & honest heart … it lets know exactly how & when to pray:)ReplyCancel

  • texasinafrica - Praying that the peace of Christ will surround you at every moment.ReplyCancel

  • Kristi - I have been praying for you all and SO happy for you! It’s funny how you can think about people that you have never met before all the time. Cora’s story just touched my heart.
    I am so happy you both are blessed with this baby. I can’t wait to hear the happy news! 🙂
    KristiReplyCancel

  • Miss G - Oh Jess! I am sitting here trying to imagine what it must be like. I feel like I’m having a hard time getting ready for my first born because everything is just so unknown (including the gender, like y’all) but to have to go through Cora’s things and not know if you’re ready for all that must be so uncertain and emotional! I do know that God’s timing is perfect even when we don’t understand it and He’s got all of this in control. That thought is what I cling to when things seem to be rushing or spinning out of my control. That sweet green blessings sign is Cora and new baby brother or sister in the stroller, isn’t it? That is absolutely wonderful! May God’s peace and richest blessings rest upon you and Joel and your mom and extended family as you go through this time of transition that you may or may not feel ready for. Praise God also for your mom coming over to help you! That is a gift. KellyReplyCancel

  • Rebecca - Prayers as you go through all of the emotions of bringing a new baby home to a house without Cora. May God wrap his loving arms around you all.ReplyCancel

  • Christina - You will do things at just the right time. Yes, what a blessing that your mom is there to help you. I pray that you will be calmed and comforted by the Spirit of our Mighty God as you count down the weeks and then the days until the arrival of the newest member of your family.
    I pray that you will be able to meditate on and celebrate the birth of Jesus this Advent season, as you anticipate the birth of your own child. I pray that knowing Him, and knowing His Father, your Father, will enable you to take those steps, one at a time each day.
    I think it’s sweet that your children will share a room…what a legacy precious Cora has left.ReplyCancel

  • L ~ S - I can imagine how hard it will be to go through Cora’s things! I think your plan is a good one. It probably will be easier to deal with once you have met the new addition. Maybe it will be born on my birthday? Dec 31…ReplyCancel

  • singing mama - You have been on heart so much lately and in my prayers too as you prepare to meet this little one
    luv DonnaReplyCancel

  • Jerri - It must be so hard trying to be happy while still being sad…I can’t even imagine but I know that Baby Mac is blessed already and your sweet Cora will be watching down for her siblings arrival! I appreciate your blog and am inspired and awed by your amazing strength! May God meet your every need during this time!ReplyCancel

  • Christina - Hugs & a prayer from Pooh’s Corner.ReplyCancel

  • mommaof4wife2r - i love all the sweetness in this post…and love too. my fav part and what i cling to in the phil verse…”exceeds”. isn’t it totally awesome that he “exceeds”? i am so grateful…ReplyCancel

  • Al's World - I have been quoting that verse all week! I kept overlooking the “with thanksgiving”, everytime the saddness is too much, try as hard as you can to be thankful for all God has given you. I can only imagine what you are going through and am praying for you every day.ReplyCancel

  • Ethansmom08 - I am praying for you and Joel as you both prepare for the arrival of your second little bundle of joy! Can’t wait to hear the news about Cora’s little brother or sister!ReplyCancel

  • A - I will be keeping you in my prayers the next month as you get ready for the new baby. I think it is okay that you haven’t done alot yet- I can’t imagine what it’s like to bring home your second baby without your first. I praise God for Joel being such a strong leader of your family- Cora and the new baby are so lucky to have you as parents!ReplyCancel

  • Kate - i know it is hard but soon you will have that little one in your arms & i really think that will help you heal:) Be strong!!!!ReplyCancel

  • Tricia - Still praying and so excited for your sweet family. Maybe baby Mac will in fact decide that Mommy and Daddy need an early blessing. 😉
    Enjoy this special time preparing with your mom.

    With love and prayers,
    XO*TriciaReplyCancel

  • Tricia - So excited for your sweet family during this special time. Perhaps baby Mac will decide to come and meet mommy and daddy early. ;)Extra Christmas blessings perhaps.
    Enjoy this special time of preparation with your mom.

    With love and prayers,
    XO*TriciaReplyCancel

  • PamperingBeki - Most of us can’t even begin to imagine the bizarre mix of emotions you have running through you.

    Prayers with you, Joel, and Baby Mac every single day!ReplyCancel

  • The Jones' - Prayin you up during this time. Love to you both,
    LizReplyCancel

  • nate - second-cousin-to-be nate is hoping for 2009. see you guys at new years!ReplyCancel

  • Lynn Jones - And He knows what a special heart it is that he is guarding when it comes to you, Jess. Your new little one is being anticipated by so many of us– how appropriate at this time of year. You are not alone, in so many respects. I will praying for peace and rest for you.ReplyCancel

  • Marsha - Praying for you! I can’t wait until you introduce us to new baby Mac!ReplyCancel

  • Mindee@ourfrontdoor - I love that you’re waiting to find out if it’s a boy or a girl – that adds so much fun to the birth. 🙂

    In the end, I think you’ll enjoy seeing Cora’s clothes on the baby. It will bring happy memories.ReplyCancel

  • Lauren Kelly - WOW, so much to look forward to but yet alot to go back and remember! His will is perfect though, just remember!!! 🙂ReplyCancel

  • purejoy - awwww. i can imagine the mixed feelings. i am so glad that the lord is blessing you with a new little life to journey with. so excited to see how all this works out, in god’s perfect plan.
    you are being prayed for, rest assured.
    many, many blessings as you waddle through these next few weeks…ReplyCancel

  • Shannon - I will say a prayer for you while you go through Cora’s things. After my daughter passed away, I left her room the same for 3 years. I recently went through everything this summer before we moved. It was emotional and difficult, but I kept the important things-a few momentos and memories in my heart. God Bless.ReplyCancel

  • carollai - a very exciting time. praying that as you continue to heal and work through cora’s things that you’ll be reminded of her love and cuteness and that God is with her now.ReplyCancel

  • Diana - Praying that the good Lord continues to surround you and Joel and Baby Mac with His Presence, to comfort and uplift you, to hold you in His loving arms. I’m sure God and Cora have smiles on their faces because they already know if you need blue or pink. Peace and love to you all!ReplyCancel

  • Kelly - Praying for you, your husband and baby Mac. I can’t wait to hear if the baby is a boy or girl!ReplyCancel

  • Karina - I thought about you today and wondered about Baby Mac. Thank you for posting an update!

    Cora’s dolls are so gorgeous. Are they from Etsy?

    Hugs to you as you waddle to the finish line!ReplyCancel

  • Anonymous - Dear Jess, my prayers are every day with you and Joel, hoping that baby Mac get here soon so a little of that pain can go away. I know it will never be the same but it will fill your life with so much joy and happiness again.ReplyCancel

  • Cherry Tree Lane - thinking of you all the time.ReplyCancel

  • La Familia Garcia - It’s nice to know that God is giving you the strength little by little as HE knows you need it! And grace to face each new day! How precious it will be to see it all come together.ReplyCancel